Can anybody explain to me the role of housing associations?
They provide decent but simple housing for people on low incomes, such as single people or widows / widowers, young people etc. There is usually a waiting list organised in order of need. Have a look on the net, just type housing associations and then the name of your area. The rent is usually about half the price of what a private rent would be, and often you will be offered the chance to buy after a certain amount of years in one. But it all depends on which housing association you are with.
